You can make a rich, creamy, and restaurant-quality Alfredo sauce from scratch in just 10 minutes. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients for the best homemade white pasta sauce.
Author:Ahazzam
Prep Time:5 min
Cook Time:5 min
Total Time:10 min
Yield:2 servings
Category:Sauce
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:Italian-American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. You want the butter fully melted but not browned.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 30 seconds until you smell the aroma. Do not let the garlic burn.
Pour in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Reduce the heat to low once it starts simmering.
Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan cheese, a little at a time. Keep whisking constantly until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and thick. This step is key for a silky smooth sauce.
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if needed.
Toss immediately with your favorite cooked pasta, like fettuccine, or use it as a simple pasta topping for a quick dinner.
Notes
For the richest flavor, use high-quality, freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
If the sauce becomes too thick as it cools, whisk in a tablespoon or two of reserved pasta water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
This recipe creates a classic, buttery Parmesan sauce. For a slight variation, you can add a pinch of nutmeg for depth.